Gun theft lands Holts Summit man in prison

Gun theft lands Holts Summit man in prison

A Holts Summit man has been sentenced to five years in prison for pleading guilty to charges in connection with stealing a gun following an incident that occurred in May 2016.

Stephen Palmer, 34, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and forgery. A charge of stealing a firearm by deceit was dismissed.

The victim in this case said he listed a handgun for sale on Armslist.com, where he met Palmer, according to a Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statement. The two agreed Palmer would purchase the firearm for $250.

They met on the parking lot of Schulte's Fresh Foods on Southwest Boulevard, where Palmer paid the victim $264 in cash.

The victim said Palmer was acting suspicious and left the area quickly after acquiring the firearm.

The victim said he spent $14 at a local fast-food restaurant and took the remaining $250 to his bank.

At the bank, the victim was told the money was counterfeit.

Palmer was prohibited from having a firearm due to previous felony convictions.